Improvements to the seniors’ centre will be one of the benefits of a new $6 million multi-generational facility project Lake Country council is seeking grant support for to build. - Image Credit: contributed

Activity centre grant pursued

Lake Country council is hoping approval of a $5 million grant application will facilitate one of its top priorities.

Council has endorsed a proposal to apply for the grant through the Federal Gas Tax Fund to pay the lion’s share of a $6 million multi-generational activity facility in Winfield.

The facility will be located in the same complex with the Winfield Arena and Seniors’ Activity Centre, with the project including improvements to both of those facilities as well.

Matt Vader, district manager of strategic and support services, said the driving force behind the project is finding a permanent new home for the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club.

Its current location, the old Winfield elementary school site, is up for sale putting the club in need of a new home to maintain the programs it offers to the community youth.

“We’ve been talking about this for awhile now and looking at different possible scenarios to relocate the boys and girls club, and this looks like the best option,” said Vader.

He note as the community continues to grow and more families move into Lake Country, the demand on boys and girls programs will only increase.

As well, he noted it will include building functionality and access improvements for the neighbouring seniors’ centre, costing $500,000, and entrance and access upgrades for the arena, costing $1 million.

Vader said the 7,000 sq.ft. activity centre will be multi-functional and promote flexibility of space usage, utilized from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

It will include space for a kitchen, daycare, teen programs, art programs and an indoor running track.

“It may not be the ultimate scenario but this facility puts us in a position to move forward and complement further additions or improvements in the future,” Vader said.

If the grant is approved, Lake Country’s share of $1 million towards the project is not in the budget, but the money can be generated from the capital reserve fund and reorganizing other project funding earmarked for 2018, according to district staff.